The Social and Emotional Side of LD
Research shows that social and emotional skills are the most consistent indicators of success for students with LD, even more so than academic factors. In addition, continued academic struggles can lead to low self-esteem, frustration, and withdrawal from peers, which underscores the importance of strong social and emotional attributes in maintaining overall student achievement. Below you will find expert advice, up-to-date research, and useful resources to promote the social and emotional development of students with LD. Take a look at the Teen Topics page as well for in-depth information on creating positive peer relationships and effective advice on the steps to building a strong foundation for life success.
Introduction and Background Information
Research
Additional Resources on the Web
 Introduction and Background Information
The Social Side of Learning Disabilities
Featured expert Richard Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed., a nationally-recognized professional in the area of social-emotional development, talks about the social side of LD in this December 14, 2005 LDTalk. Click here to learn more about Rick’s new books, videos and speaking engagements.
Building Self-Esteem
This Web site offers strategies for helping children with LD build self-esteem, which can be a critical yet often elusive ingredient for happiness and success.
Developing Social Skills and Relationships
Points out that children and adolescents with LD often have difficulty making and keeping friends because they lack certain interpersonal skills. Parents and teachers can teach social skills such as how to give and receive compliments, how to negotiate without being aggressive, and how to respond to teasing by peers.
Learning Disabilities and the Arts
Suggests that arts such as drawing, music, and dance are more than just a fun, superficial way to keep kids occupied. Artistic success can help children with LD build confidence, develop talents, express themselves, and learn important skills.
Life Success for Children with Learning Disabilities
An introduction to a free, easy-to-use online guide that identifies six attributes that help determine success: self-awareness, proactivity, perseverance, goal-setting, the presence and use of effective support systems, and emotional coping strategies. The guide also offers recommendations on how to help children develop these traits and characteristics.
The Power to Learn: Helping Your Child Build Self-Esteem
Read this useful article to find out about the power of self-esteem, get tips for building social skills, and find important links to additional resources in the June 2005 issue of LD NEWS. Click here to access the LD News archive.
Reflections on the Social/Emotional Aspects of LD
Excerpts from essays written by applicants for NCLD's Anne Ford Scholarship Award. Each of these graduating high school seniors with LD share their personal stories on meeting the social and emotional challenges they faced in and out of the classroom.
Supports for Social and Emotional Challenges
This section gives teachers and parents advice on how to build self-esteem in children with LD, help them develop strong social relationships, introduce new opportunities in the Arts, and promote life success attributes.
Fact Sheets: Self Esteem
A look at the formidable challenges people with LD face in attempting to build positive self-esteem and strategies for developing the necessary strengths and skills to succeed.
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Research
Research Roundup - The Importance of Social & Emotional Skills for People with LD
Dr. Sheldon Horowitz, NCLD's director of professional services, discusses research findings on the important connection between LD and social skills in the September 2004 issue of LD News. Click here to browse through a list of his previous columns.
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Additional Resources on the Web
For Educators/Researchers:
Strengthening the Safety Net: How Schools Can Help Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Needs Complete Their High School Education and Prepare for Life After School
NASP Communiqué
40 Developmental Assets for early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence
Search Institute
Dr. Marshall Raskind on Success Attributes of Kids with LD
In this SchwabLearning.org Q & A, Dr. Marshall Raskind (formerly of the Frostig Center in Pasadena, California) identifies success attributes in adults with LD whose performance in school and beyond was studied over two decades.
For Parents:
Tips for Developing Healthy Self-Esteem in Children
Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities
Social Relationships: A Parent Guide
SchwabLearning.org
Study Explores How Children with Disabilities Make Friends: How Can Parents & School Personnel Help?
Focus on Results
Self-Esteem and Stress Management
LDOnline.org
Effective Parenting and Building Your Child’s Self-Esteem
Bridges4Kids
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